iPhone & Free Wi Fi hotspots in Florence, Tuscany and Venice?
May 7th, 2008, 06:32 PM
#21
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Robin, I think you're right that I'm kind of set on wanting the iPhone, but I don't really need the iPhone. I was hoping that people could give me enough reasons to justify buying one!
I thought that it might be "justified" if it could:
-provide internet access for free at wifi spots (it can, if I can just find the spots, which I'll do from home). I'd want to use a web-based email account to communicate with the kids, so I can avoid AT&T fees. (I think this would be free, right?)
-function as a phone (emergency use only) during the trip (it can)
-play movies on the plane (I know it can)
What would push me right to the Apple store would be if it would:
-have a navigation system on a par with TomTom 920, eliminating the need to purchase that (need to wait & see if the new version will have that)
-store photos from the SD card, so I don't need to buy the extra hyperdrive to store photos right from the SD card or lug the laptop (not sure if it will be able to do this in the new version yet)
These last two features would be super, but they're not deal-breakers! It's just that if those features aren't there, I might be smarter to just use the cyber cafes for the Internet and pay Verizon for phone service or buy a phone to use just in Europe. (I have no real desire to do either of those, however). I'd rather put that money directly into the iPhone that I KNOW I will love long after the trip!
Rcasper-
where do you get the information on the release date for the new version of iPhone? The clerk at the store said that there was going to be a software update June 1; I wonder if that would be connected to the new release? I would definitely wait for that to come out, even if it meant getting it after the trip.
Thanks again for everyone's input. I've learned a lot!
I thought that it might be "justified" if it could:
-provide internet access for free at wifi spots (it can, if I can just find the spots, which I'll do from home). I'd want to use a web-based email account to communicate with the kids, so I can avoid AT&T fees. (I think this would be free, right?)
-function as a phone (emergency use only) during the trip (it can)
-play movies on the plane (I know it can)
What would push me right to the Apple store would be if it would:
-have a navigation system on a par with TomTom 920, eliminating the need to purchase that (need to wait & see if the new version will have that)
-store photos from the SD card, so I don't need to buy the extra hyperdrive to store photos right from the SD card or lug the laptop (not sure if it will be able to do this in the new version yet)
These last two features would be super, but they're not deal-breakers! It's just that if those features aren't there, I might be smarter to just use the cyber cafes for the Internet and pay Verizon for phone service or buy a phone to use just in Europe. (I have no real desire to do either of those, however). I'd rather put that money directly into the iPhone that I KNOW I will love long after the trip!
Rcasper-
where do you get the information on the release date for the new version of iPhone? The clerk at the store said that there was going to be a software update June 1; I wonder if that would be connected to the new release? I would definitely wait for that to come out, even if it meant getting it after the trip.
Thanks again for everyone's input. I've learned a lot!
May 8th, 2008, 05:45 AM
#23
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Around June 9 is when Apple is having a developers conference where Jobs is expected to give a keynote. So it might be when they unveil new products like a new iPhone.
But what's odd is that new phones would usually show up on the FCC site as it undergoes certification, long before they're able to sell them.
So maybe they announce it but can't sell it until later.
There are other signs though, like inventories of the current model being in short supply, possibly indicating that Apple is trying to clear them out ahead of new models.
Also this past week, a bunch of companies, mostly overseas, announced plans to offer iPhones "later" this year. A lot of these countries have 3G networks and no EDGE networks, so that may be a good sign for the 3G iPhone.
On speculation about GPS, it would be interesting if true. The UI on my Garmin Nuvi is horrible. You have to go back and forth through screens and the interface isn't the most efficient. Maybe Apple does for GPS what it's done for mobile surfing.
But what's odd is that new phones would usually show up on the FCC site as it undergoes certification, long before they're able to sell them.
So maybe they announce it but can't sell it until later.
There are other signs though, like inventories of the current model being in short supply, possibly indicating that Apple is trying to clear them out ahead of new models.
Also this past week, a bunch of companies, mostly overseas, announced plans to offer iPhones "later" this year. A lot of these countries have 3G networks and no EDGE networks, so that may be a good sign for the 3G iPhone.
On speculation about GPS, it would be interesting if true. The UI on my Garmin Nuvi is horrible. You have to go back and forth through screens and the interface isn't the most efficient. Maybe Apple does for GPS what it's done for mobile surfing.
May 8th, 2008, 02:48 PM
#24
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Thanks for the tip on the Apple developers conference. I'm marking my calendar!
It's always exciting when Apple launches a new product. Let's hope the new iPhone has all of our dream features.
It's always exciting when Apple launches a new product. Let's hope the new iPhone has all of our dream features.
Jun 9th, 2008, 11:04 AM
#27
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cybertraveler, http://tinyurl.com/5woegp may interest you.
Jun 9th, 2008, 11:23 PM
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I have had an iPhone since November and wouldn't trade it. It's very fun and very cool. But, it's not the answer to many of your wishes. I've used it in London, Morocco, France and Italy. I sign up for the special lower-cost international data plan each trip, which is about $25, if I remember correctly, for the month I will be away. This gives you a limited amount of download for the extra cost. And it's pretty limited. After getting frustrated at not being able to find free wifi in Morocco, I downloaded email ONE TIME and came home to an extra $50 on my bill. Since then, if I can't hook up to free wifi while travelling internationally, I check email in an internet cafe.
It's also not a great answer to downloading/storing photos from memory cards. If you're using an 8-10 megapixel camera taking fine jpgs (or, heaven forbid, RAW) you'll blow through your iPhone storage pretty quickly. You'd be better off buying a good stash of memory cards, they're so inexpensive now. My last trip, I was away 12 days in Italy and filled my 40 GB Epson P3000 storage device. If the new iPhone does offer a new 32-gig version, that would make it more likely you could use it for photo storage.
But I love it for downloading a couple of audio books for each trip, for taking along my favorite music, for keeping the details of hotels, museums, itineraries, places to see and things to do, all close at hand. I use it to take small photos of subway maps, to record directions, etc, in case I need to refer back to them while trying to find my way around new places.
It's also not a great answer to downloading/storing photos from memory cards. If you're using an 8-10 megapixel camera taking fine jpgs (or, heaven forbid, RAW) you'll blow through your iPhone storage pretty quickly. You'd be better off buying a good stash of memory cards, they're so inexpensive now. My last trip, I was away 12 days in Italy and filled my 40 GB Epson P3000 storage device. If the new iPhone does offer a new 32-gig version, that would make it more likely you could use it for photo storage.
But I love it for downloading a couple of audio books for each trip, for taking along my favorite music, for keeping the details of hotels, museums, itineraries, places to see and things to do, all close at hand. I use it to take small photos of subway maps, to record directions, etc, in case I need to refer back to them while trying to find my way around new places.
Jun 10th, 2008, 06:42 AM
#30
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I got a Poste Mobile SIM in Tuscany because it had one of the best activation offers.
Tried loading one web page, which was just under 600 kB and it took off over a Euro of air time.
There are data-centric offers you can get, like they give you a few hundred megabytes per month.
But really, I don't know why people clamor for 3G iPhone when 3G data is often so expensive.
Tried loading one web page, which was just under 600 kB and it took off over a Euro of air time.
There are data-centric offers you can get, like they give you a few hundred megabytes per month.
But really, I don't know why people clamor for 3G iPhone when 3G data is often so expensive.
Jun 10th, 2008, 08:13 AM
#32
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Yes but at least in the US, they've raised monthly plan prices by $10.
So over a 24-month contract, the savings is eaten up by the higher price.
Of course, you are getting faster data than you were before, assuming you live in an area with 3G coverage from AT&T.
So over a 24-month contract, the savings is eaten up by the higher price.
Of course, you are getting faster data than you were before, assuming you live in an area with 3G coverage from AT&T.
Jun 15th, 2008, 06:33 PM
#33
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Thanks for the information from those who have used the iPhone. I am beginning to see that it won't be the solution to the photo storage, but the suggestion of the extra storage cards is a great idea.
I will definitely use the free wifi spots, and I'm planning to research exactly where those are before the trip. Otherwise, the Internet cafes will be fine. I think it will be great for movies on the plane, the GPS (even though we just bought the TomTom--wish we had waited!), and I'll probably sign up for the international plan as a backup for emergencies.
I definitely want to spend more time researching before I actually spend the money. The new iPhones will be available July 11, and so far AT&T won't release the details of their new iPhone packages, which makes it hard to know exactly what the cost will be. The 8GB will be $199, and the 16 GB will be $299. AT&T's prices will be the deciding factor, I think.
I will definitely use the free wifi spots, and I'm planning to research exactly where those are before the trip. Otherwise, the Internet cafes will be fine. I think it will be great for movies on the plane, the GPS (even though we just bought the TomTom--wish we had waited!), and I'll probably sign up for the international plan as a backup for emergencies.
I definitely want to spend more time researching before I actually spend the money. The new iPhones will be available July 11, and so far AT&T won't release the details of their new iPhone packages, which makes it hard to know exactly what the cost will be. The 8GB will be $199, and the 16 GB will be $299. AT&T's prices will be the deciding factor, I think.
Jun 15th, 2008, 09:41 PM
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I posted this on the Africa forum and I'll post this here also, just in case someone is interested. It's about using an iPhone abroad. Here is a link to tips for controlling costs: http://current.newsweek.com/budgettr...src=newsletter
Jul 15th, 2008, 01:09 PM
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Hi Comfy,
I bought it!
It is such a great little tool. I am still learning how to use all the features, but now I'm preoccupied finalizing our arrangements for our trip. We leave next week!
I bought it!
It is such a great little tool. I am still learning how to use all the features, but now I'm preoccupied finalizing our arrangements for our trip. We leave next week!
Jul 15th, 2008, 05:16 PM
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Thanks, Comfy,
I'll be posting a trip report when I get back, and I'll be sure to include iPhone info.
We signed up for the International Data Package, but I'm not planning to use it except in emergency. Also for the International roaming package, which is usually a 90 day wait to go into effect, but they waived that for us.
Basically, I'll be looking for the free wifi! Thanks again to everyone for all their help and advice on the iPhone.
I'll be posting a trip report when I get back, and I'll be sure to include iPhone info.
We signed up for the International Data Package, but I'm not planning to use it except in emergency. Also for the International roaming package, which is usually a 90 day wait to go into effect, but they waived that for us.
Basically, I'll be looking for the free wifi! Thanks again to everyone for all their help and advice on the iPhone.
Jul 15th, 2008, 10:40 PM
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Be careful with international data roaming. I hear the iPhone may try to retrieve email as soon as you turn it on and could download data without you being aware.
I've seen scans of bills for thousands of dollars. Data is like $20 a megabyte, which would be like two web pages.
There is suppose to be a setting for turning off mobile data altogether.
I was going to say look into a Boingo account but it appears you need special software and so far, their web site isn't listing iPhone as one of the supported phones.
I've seen scans of bills for thousands of dollars. Data is like $20 a megabyte, which would be like two web pages.
There is suppose to be a setting for turning off mobile data altogether.
I was going to say look into a Boingo account but it appears you need special software and so far, their web site isn't listing iPhone as one of the supported phones.
Jul 16th, 2008, 04:20 AM
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Hi,
I can see that OP already got the iPhone. We don't have the iPhone, but we did bring an iPod Touch to Italy three weeks ago. Didn't see a lot of free wifi areas, and most of our hotels charged for wifi access. We downloaded several movies and podcasts that came in handy during the plane ride and some of the long bus rides.
I subscribed to the $24.99 AT&T data roaming package and used my treo to check email periodically. Also subscribed to the international call roaming package.
One gadget that came in quite handy for us was the Power Monkey from Magellans.com. http://tiny.cc/KGMXi It was frequently used by the kids to charge their iPods, I used it to recharge my treo and iPod Touch while on the bus when we just HAD to finish the movie! I had to buy tips for the treo and my kids' cell phones because these didn't come with the kit, so if you are getting the charger, make sure to call the manufacturer to order special tips for your phone/gadgets.
Buon viaggio!
I can see that OP already got the iPhone. We don't have the iPhone, but we did bring an iPod Touch to Italy three weeks ago. Didn't see a lot of free wifi areas, and most of our hotels charged for wifi access. We downloaded several movies and podcasts that came in handy during the plane ride and some of the long bus rides.
I subscribed to the $24.99 AT&T data roaming package and used my treo to check email periodically. Also subscribed to the international call roaming package.
One gadget that came in quite handy for us was the Power Monkey from Magellans.com. http://tiny.cc/KGMXi It was frequently used by the kids to charge their iPods, I used it to recharge my treo and iPod Touch while on the bus when we just HAD to finish the movie! I had to buy tips for the treo and my kids' cell phones because these didn't come with the kit, so if you are getting the charger, make sure to call the manufacturer to order special tips for your phone/gadgets.
Buon viaggio!
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